Somerset Council, together with Sir Ashley Fox, the Conservative MP for Bridgwater, is actively campaigning for a significant portion of Somerset’s Gravity enterprise zone to be designated as a pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) growth zone. This initiative aims to transform the area into a hub for cutting-edge AI development and innovation, creating high-skilled, well-paid jobs for the region.
The Gravity site, formerly the Royal Ordnance Factory located between Puriton and Woolavington, is currently preparing to host a new £4 billion ‘gigafactory’ operated by Agratas. This facility is set to produce electric vehicle batteries, with production slated to begin by late 2027.
Beyond the gigafactory, Somerset Council and Sir Ashley Fox are urging the government to invest in the remainder of the site to nurture AI advancements. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has expressed openness to discuss the proposal, with a final decision expected by late summer.
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Sir Ashley Fox raised Somerset’s AI growth zone bid in a debate in the House of Commons on June 12, highlighting the site’s distinct advantages: “Its unique features—the Gravity local development order, and its established grid connections—make it an ideal location to promote jobs and economic growth.” The Gravity Local Development Order (LDO), effective since December 2021 and valid until 2037, streamlines planning approvals by allowing development consistent with specific design and usage requirements to proceed without full council committee approval.
Infrastructure support is further ensured with National Grid’s commitment to build a new substation on the Gravity site, set to begin construction in September and become operational by 2028.
Industry minister Sarah Jones, MP for Croydon South, responded positively: “We have ambitious plans for AI growth nationally, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss Somerset’s proposals further.”
The government will evaluate applications for AI growth zones based on strict criteria, including site characteristics, infrastructure availability, and planning status. Chris Hall, Somerset Council’s executive director for community, place, and economy, reported on the council’s bid during the Gravity executive sub-committee meeting on May 20. He emphasized that Somerset is uniquely positioned to meet these criteria and is actively working with site owners This Is Gravity Ltd. to advance the application.
The competition will be intense, with only a select few sites likely to be approved in the initial wave. The announcement of successful locations is anticipated this summer. Should the Gravity site not succeed in the first round, Somerset Council plans to apply again later in the year.